2-methoxythiophene

2-methoxythiophene is an organic compound characterized by a five-membered sulfur heterocycle (thiophene) bearing a methoxy substituent at the 2-position. It is a volatile liquid with the molecular formula C₅H₆OS and a molecular weight of approximately 114.17 g/mol. This compound exhibits a distinctive mustard-like flavor profile, although it is primarily used for informational and research purposes rather than in commercial flavor or fragrance formulations. Known synonyms include methyl 2-thienyl ether and thienyl methyl ether. Its structure and data are catalogued in authoritative repositories such as PubChem. The compound can be sourced synthetically via typical heterocyclic ether formation methodologies and is noted for its distinct chemical and physical properties.

2-methoxythiophene does not naturally occur in significant biological systems but belongs to the class of sulfur-containing heterocycles often studied for chemical and analytical interest. Its primary application is informational; it is not utilized in food flavoring or fragrance products. Regulatory acknowledgment such as REACH (EU) addresses its chemical registration rather than its use in consumer products. Research involving 2-methoxythiophene may relate to its physicochemical behavior or as a chemical intermediate in heterocyclic synthesis but commercial uses are minimal. Due to insufficient safety usage data, professional guidelines recommend omitting its use in fragrances and flavors.

2-methoxythiophene exhibits key properties influencing its handling and potential formulation impacts. It has a moderate molecular weight (114.17 g/mol) and a log P value near 2.13, indicating moderate lipophilicity. The compound boils between 147 and 148 °C at atmospheric pressure, with a vapor pressure of roughly 5.57 mmHg at 25 °C, suggesting moderate volatility. Its specific gravity ranges from 1.136 to 1.141 at 20 °C, and refractive indices fall between 1.526 and 1.529 at 20 °C. Solubility data indicate it is soluble in alcohol and slightly soluble in water, with estimated water solubility around 1597 mg/L at room temperature. The flash point stands at 110 °F (approximately 43 °C), which has implications for safety in handling and storage. These properties affect its behavior in mixtures and suitability for various chemical applications.

	2-methoxythiophene
NIST Chemistry WebBook:	Search Inchi
Pubchem (cid):	85610
Pubchem (sid):	135042401

(IUPAC):	Atomic Weights of the Elements 2011 (pdf)
Videos:	The Periodic Table of Videos
tgsc:	Atomic Weights use for this web site
(IUPAC):	Periodic Table of the Elements
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):	Search
Export Tariff Code:	2934.99.9000
ChemSpider:	View

Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
information only not used for fragrances or flavors
Recommendation for 2-methoxythiophene usage levels up to:
	not for fragrance use.
Recommendation for 2-methoxythiophene flavor usage levels up to:
	not for flavor use.

Safety references

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :85610

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WGK Germany:3

2-methoxythiophene

Chemidplus:0016839977